TAMPA — County commissioners voted to approve related rezoning and plan‑development petitions on Jan. 13 that together enable a mixed‑use redevelopment along the MLK/Highview corridor, including a reformulated grocery‑store site and a larger planned development for housing and commercial space.
Applicant teams explained that the PD (G‑1a) caps residential units at up to 304 with approximately 27,000 square feet of commercial frontage and includes commitments to reduce AM and PM trip generation relative to prior entitlements. The companion PRS (G‑1b) repackages remnant parcels from an older PD into the new plan; staff recommended approval on both items.
Planner Steven Spazzato and traffic consultant Michael Yates said the redevelopment would close several existing access points, provide internal east‑west connectivity, and deliver roadway and sidewalk improvements on Highview and MLK. Spazzato said the PD ‘‘caps the units at 304’’ and described large buffers and internal pedestrian connections intended to address compatibility.
Planning staff found the rezoning consistent with the Seffner Mango community plan and noted the site qualifies for an infill residential density bonus. The zoning hearing master also recommended approval; commissioners discussed the project’s infrastructure commitments and trip cap before moving to approve the rezoning and PRS.
The approvals include the proffered trip cap, landscaping and buffering commitments, and planned roadway improvements as described in the applicant presentations. Transportation and stormwater engineering will proceed through the county’s standard permitting process and through required construction plans prior to vertical development.
Next steps include final engineering and permitting required under the PD conditions; the county will monitor compliance with the trip cap and the applicant’s commitments during project review.